How to Choose the Right Safety Cabinet for Your Workshop
Correctly storing hazardous materials is vital. It will protect your workplace, staff and the environment. There are many things to consider when choosing a safety cabinet. Most importantly your cabinet must meet local laws and regulations. Your cabinet must also be secure, fire-tested, leak-tested and allow for adequate ventilation.
Here at Ecospill, we provide safety cabinets that also exceed Australian standards. In this article, we discuss how to choose the right safety cabinet for your workshop. Let’s explore some things to consider before making a purchase.
DETERMINE YOUR STORAGE NEEDS
In order to choose the right safety cabinet for your workshop, the first step should be identifying exactly what needs to be stored. It is a good idea to perform an inventory of all hazardous chemicals on site. There are nine classifications when it comes to hazardous substances;
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable and combustible liquids
- Flammable solids
- Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
- Toxic substances and infectious substances
- Radioactive materials
- Corrosives
- Miscellaneous hazardous materials
EXPLORE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAFETY CABINETS
Once you have identified the types of hazardous substances you have, you can decide on a storage cabinet. Now let’s go through each cabinet type.
AEROSOL CAN STORAGE
Aerosol cans are a common sight in Australian workplaces. Being a class 2 dangerous good means you must ensure they are stored correctly and safely. We stock cabinets, which are specifically designed to meet Australian standard AS4332-2004 (The Storage and Handling of Gases in Cylinders). They are designed in Australia and allow storage for up to 432 cans, have a look here.
CORROSIVE STORAGE
When storing your class 8 corrosive substances you’ll find three different options. The first is a cabinet made solely from polyethylene. The 100% polyethylene construction provides maximum protection against corrosion and leaks. They come in 15L and 30L.
For a more affordable option, we also offer poly-lined metal cabinets. This is a popular option. It provides premium protection against corrosion for a fraction of the cost. These cabinets also come in larger sizes- up to 250L.
The final option for corrosive control is a metal cabinet. These steel corrosive cabinets come with poly shelf trays. They are coated in a unique paint for chemical resistance.
All of our safety cabinets are fire tested and approved. They also exceed Australian Standard AS3780-2008 (The Storage and Handling of Corrosive Substances).
GAS CYLINDER STORAGE
All class 2 flammable gasses need to be stored in a fully welded steel construction. This will provide maximum airflow and ventilation. A UV stable powder coated finish is also imperative in maintaining safe practice. At Ecospill we offer this sort of gas cylinder storage ranging from 2 to 12 cylinder capacities.
OXIDISING AGENT STORAGE
Oxidising agents exist in either liquid or solid form. Your cabinet must meet the Australian Standard AS4326 (The Storage and Handling of Oxidising Agents). They must have a double-wall steel construction. Plus an advanced powder coat in the safety colour yellow. We stock a range of these cabinets, which contain extra safety features, and range from 30L to 250L.
TOXIC SUBSTANCE STORAGE
Storing class 6 toxic substances must be done in such a way as to minimise spills and contamination. We offer a range of affordable storage options for toxic substances, from 30L to 250L.
FLAMMABLE STORAGE
The Environmental Protection Authority has a list of regulations to avoid fire. Having a cabinet that meets these standards will protect you, your staff and your workplace against fire. We stock a range of these cabinets that also exceed Australian standards.
CONSIDER SPACE
Another thing you need to consider to be able to choose the right safety cabinet for your workshop is space. When storing hazardous materials, you want to avoid overcrowding. Take note of the capacity of the safety cabinet you choose. Is it enough? The last thing you want is for your safety cabinets or your workplace to be overflowing, leading to a potentially dangerous accident or fine.
WRAPPING UP
Storing hazardous materials is vital when it comes to safety. Always make sure you are up to date with the specific regulations and remain compliant with Australian Standards.
The steps discussed in this article are a great starting point to choose the right safety cabinet for your workplace. However, feel free to contact Ecospill with any further questions or to order your safety cabinet today.